Cunard Line Underwrites New PBS Series

Cunard Line Underwrites New PBS Series

Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work

Series Debuts on Wednesday, November 12

SOUTH HAMPTON, England, Oct. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- In a move that further underscores Cunard's British heritage, the Line is sponsoring the new PBS series Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work, a six-episode series that provides an exclusive look inside the modern British monarchy. In advance of the series' U.S. debut on November 12, its associate producer and writer, Robert Hardman, sailed on Queen Mary 2's October 16 Transatlantic voyage to participate in the company's award-winning enrichment programme, Cunard Insights. During the voyage, Hardman afforded Cunard guests an exclusive preview of the full series, hosting pre-film introductions and participating in Q&A sessions following each screening.

"We are delighted to support PBS in presenting this intriguing series, which explores the busy lives of Britain's modern monarchs, many of whom have graciously and enthusiastically celebrated Cunard's maritime milestones with us," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "We are delighted to have been able to welcome Robert Hardman aboard, as we know our guests truly enjoyed this exclusive screening preview at sea."

Authorized by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, filmmakers were granted exclusive access for a behind-the-scenes look beyond the majestic gates and velvet ropes of Buckingham Palace. The intimate series features exclusive interviews with members of the royal family and observes preparations for elaborate formal occasions including a rare look inside the royal kitchens, wine cellar and car fleet, and the jobs of footmen, ladies in waiting, the yeoman guard and the crown jeweler. The series takes viewers along as Queen Elizabeth II visits the first permanent British settlement in the U.S., spends time with President Bush at the White House and visits the newly democratic republic of Estonia where no British monarch has set foot before.

The life of the monarchy unfolds in six compelling episodes, including:

-- "The State Visit, Parts 1 and 2" (11/12, 8:00-10:00 p.m.) - This episode follows the elaborate preparations that go into preparing for a visit from the queen. Highlights include celebrity photographer Annie Liebowitz's formal photo shoot with the queen and exclusive interviews with Liebowitz, the queen's press secretary, President Bush, and First Lady Laura Bush, who personally leads a private tour of the White House. Behind the scenes and at her side from beginning to end, "The State Visit" reveals what it takes to plan and execute an official visit from the queen.

-- "Headquarters" (11/19, 8:00-9:00 p.m.) - Buckingham Palace's 650 rooms form the nerve center of the British monarchy. It's from here that the queen directs the business of the royal family, entertains heads of state and conducts her private life. Highlights of the episode include Queen Elizabeth preparing for her annual move to Balmoral in Scotland.

-- "Head of State" (11/19, 9:00-10:00 p.m.) - For the dramatic ritual that opens Parliament, the queen's coachmen don full livery, and two of her horse- drawn carriages parade through the streets. One transports the queen, the other carries the crown jewels. The episode leads viewers through the elaborate state opening of Parliament. The episode also attends the weekly private audience between Her Majesty and the British prime minister.

-- "The Queen and Us" (11/26, 8:00-9:00 p.m.) - This episode tells the story of four invited guests as they savor each moment of a garden party at Buckingham Palace. Less formal occasions in every area of the country pack the queen's schedule, but she isn't the only member of the royal family who regularly crosses the country. In rural Northumberland, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall take tea and get a tour from a local organic farmer.

-- "Inside the Firm" (11/26, 9:00-10:00 p.m.) - To handle 4,000 state visits, balls, school dedications, nursing home visits and charity events, the queen depends on her husband, her children, cousins and now a new generation of grandchildren. In this episode, the queen's children talk frankly about the roles they were born into and the challenges of royal life.

Check your local PBS station programming schedule to confirm broadcast dates and times.

Monarchy: The Royal Family at Work is underwritten by Cunard Line, Public Television Viewers and PBS. Co-producers: RDF Media and History Television International in association with Oregon Public Broadcasting.

For more information and to book a voyage aboard Queen Mary 2 or Queen Victoria, consult your Travel Professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to http://www.cunard.com/.

About Cunard Line

Cunard Line, operator of the luxury ocean liners Queen Mary 2, QE2 and Queen Victoria has long been synonymous with the quest for new discoveries and the epitome of British refinement since the company's first paddle-wheeled steamer, Britannia, crossed the Atlantic in 1840. Cunard voyages bring together like-minded travelers who relish the Cunard hallmarks of impeccable White Star Service(TM), fine dining, sophisticated adventure, the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel.

Cunard Line is a proud member of World's Leading Cruise Lines. The exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together they offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

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Source: Cunard Line

CONTACT: Jackie Chase of Cunard Line, +1-661-753-1035,
jchase@cunard.com, or Maria Andriano of Redpoint Marketing PR,
+1-212-229-0119, andriano@redpointpr.com

Web site: http://www.cunard.com/

NOTE TO EDITORS: Cunard photography is always available online at www.cunardimages.com Login ID: press Password: guyonda

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Profile: International Entertainment